Imagine being part of a legacy that stretches back centuries. That’s the feeling you get standing before Turnbull High School. Turnbull High School is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place of history and community.
Turnbull High School opened its doors in August 1976. It was named after William Turnbull. William Turnbull was the Bishop of Glasgow. He also founded the University of Glasgow.
Initially, the campus was meant to be an annex. It was to be an annex to Bishopbriggs High School. But the Catholic community campaigned. They wanted their own school. Before Turnbull High School, Catholic students had to travel. They went to St Ninian’s High School or St. Aloysius’ College.
In 1978, Turnbull High School expanded. It began offering a full curriculum. The school’s catchment area grew to include Torrance. The Parent-Teacher Association formed in 1988.
Turnbull High School’s motto is “Respice Finem.” It’s Latin for “Look to the end.” The school shield features three bull’s heads. These are from Bishop Turnbull’s Coat of Arms.
The original building had classrooms. They were for art, science, and languages. There were also administrative offices and a cafeteria. An extension opened in 2002. It added recreational areas and a library. Music studios and gyms were in separate buildings. Covered walkways connected them.
Turnbull High School offers many extracurricular activities. These include SCIAF and Fair Trade. There are also clubs for public speaking and dance. The school band is nationally recognized. It has even toured internationally. Turnbull High School earned an Eco-Schools Green Flag in 2006.
The school uniform is a black blazer. It has a lapel pin with the school crest. Students wear black trousers or skirts. They also wear a light blue shirt and a school tie.
Guidance is organized into four houses. These are St Andrew, St Kentigern, Marian, and Mother Teresa. Each house has a guidance teacher. They mentor students and help with academic and personal issues.
In 2009, the original buildings were replaced. A new building was constructed on the campus. The project cost £134 million. It was part of a public-private partnership. The new school accommodates about 650 pupils. It features a central atrium. The only original building remaining is the Games Hall.
Turnbull High School has produced notable alumni. These include footballers James McFadden and Gerry Britton. Snooker player Stephen Maguire also attended.
Turnbull High School stands as a beacon of education. It is a testament to the power of community. Its history is rich with tradition. Its future is bright with promise. The values it instills resonate far beyond these walls.